Chris was a very active and energetic boy. He spent his early years in Colorado hunting, fishing, camping, riding his bicycle and playing sports. He was always interested in motorcycles. At the age of seven he traded his horse, AJAX, for his first dirt bike. As a teen and young adult, Chris had some difficulties but with the love, prayers and support of his family he turned his life around. Chris enjoyed riding quads and dirt bikes at Gorman, Pismo and Glamis with his younger sister Michelle, her family and his many friends. His eyes would sparkle and he would grin from ear to ear when he told his dad and me about his latest adventure.
When we met Chris at his favorite Mexican Restaurant for dinner, we had no idea that would be our last meal together as a family. He was on his way home when he was involved in a motorcycle accident. After six long days, three major surgeries and complications our precious son was declared brain dead by the medical staff.
The doctor asked us if Chris was a donor. We had never discussed donation with Chris other than to let him know that his dad and I were registered donors. We had no idea his life would be ending before ours. Because Chris had such a loving heart and was always reaching out to help others, we agreed to donation. We painfully said our goodbyes, took him off respiratory support and left the hospital without him. Less than an hour later a lady from OneLegacy called. She told me Chris had registered as a potential donor at DMV three years prior to his accident. It is comforting for us to know that Chris’s wishes were granted.
Chris’s compassionate decision to donate has made it possible for many others to live and have a better quality of life. This is helping our family in our difficult journey towards hope and healing. As the Mother of a Donor Son and an Ambassador for Donate Life, I am honored to share my son’s story with others in hopes that they, too, will consider donation.